Hurricane Sandy continues to wreak havoc on the East Coast forcing the National Hurricane Center and state governments to issue warnings and make preparations ahead of its arrival. In the Mid-Atlantic states, government and public transit officials began to prepare for possible transit suspensions in time for Sandy's projected arrival on Monday.
During its 11 p.m. ET advisory, the National Hurricane Center issued high wind watches and warnings for the Mid-Atlantic States and southern New England and warned of significant storm surge. Sandy, a Category 1 hurricane, was last located at about 360 miles east-southeast of Charleston, S.C. and at about 305 miles south of Cape Hatteras, N.C.
The hurricane recorded maximum sustained winds of nearly 75 mph and is moving towards the northeast at 14 mph. According to the NHC, Sandy is expected to continue moving towards the northeast through Sunday, when a turn towards the north is forecast. It is expected to reach the Mid-Atlantic states by late Monday.
The Miami-based center also reported that hurricane force winds extend outwards up to 105 miles and that tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 520 miles.
According to The Weather Channel, "Effects from Sandy could potentially begin as early as Sunday and peak in intensity Monday into Tuesday." The center of Hurricane Sandy is predicted to go to the northeast coast between Long Island and the Del-Mar-Va Peninsula, the Weather Channel reported.
Hurricane Sandy will produce highly destructive winds, massive rainfall and dangerous storm surge flooding, as well as possible heavy, wet snow, Weather Channel stated. According to the Weather Channel, possible power outages produced by Sandy could stretch from as far south as Richmond, VA to farther north than Boston, Mass. Rainfall amounts are predicted to reach up to 10 inches in some areas, it said.
New York
In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a press release stating that he has directed the MTA to begin planning a possible "orderly suspension of all subway, bus and commuter railroad service, if Hurricane Sandy continues to bear down on the New York City metropolitan area." On Long Island, both Suffolk and Nassau Counties declared State of Emergency and ordered the evacuation of Fire Island.
The latest official evacuation announcements in the city of New York City can be read by clicking here.
NYC Hurricane Evacuation Zones (Click for an expanded view)
New Jersey
In New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie announced, "preparations have officially begun for the potential shutdown of NJ TRANSIT bus, rail, light rail and Access Link service, effective Monday, October 29." Christie also used his official Twitter account to inform New Jersey residents of the latest Hurricane Sandy updates affecting that state.
Massachusetts
In the New England commonwealth of Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick announced that a State of Emergency has been declared and that a request to the White House for a 'Pre-Landfall Emergency Declaration' had been submitted earlier today.
Washington D.C.
In the Washington D.C. area, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray all issues State of Emergencies on Friday.
The National Hurricane Center will issues its next advisory on Hurricane Sandy at 2 a.m. ET. Look out for continuous updates from Latinos Post throughout the week.
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